San Francisco officials angry at Justin Bieber sidewalk graffiti

Justin Bieber's promotional team has come under fire from officials in San Francisco after advertisements for his new album appeared as graffiti on the city's sidewalks.

The pop superstar has been riding high in the charts with his comeback album, Purpose, following its release last month (Nov15), but City Attorney Dennis Herrera is not happy with some of the tactics apparently used by Justin's label executives to promote the new music.

He has fired off a sternly-worded letter to Universal Music boss Jeffrey Harleston and Def Jam Recordings CEO Steve Bartels, demanding they take action to do something about the graffiti, which has been spray-painted onto pavements and won't come off, despite the best efforts of Public Works crewmembers.

"This prohibited marketing practice illegally exploits our City's walkable neighborhoods and robust tourism; intentionally creates visual distractions that pose risks to pedestrians on busy rights of way; and irresponsibly tells our youth that likeminded lawlessness and contempt for public property are condoned and encouraged by its beneficiaries - including Mr. Bieber and the record labels that produce and promote him," Herrera writes.

It is not clear if Herrera wants those responsible to cover the costs of removing the graffiti, or if he is seeking to prosecute the culprits for malicious mischief, reports TMZ.com.